CALABASAS : Clerk Pleads Not Guilty to Embezzling

A clerk who worked in Calabasas Municipal Court pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of embezzling more than $2,400 that had been paid by traffic violators and those filing small claims lawsuits.

Zulma Rodriguez is free on her own recognizance after being charged with three felony charges, including embezzlement of public monies and grand theft.

Deputy Dist. Atty. David Sotelo asked a judge Thursday to set bail at $50,000, saying Rodriguez had given two weeks’ notice at her job and indicated she was planning to move to Florida.

Authorities began an investigation of Rodriguez, a 31-year-old woman who also uses the name Troche Zulma, when a man reported in December that he received collection notices after paying $92 in cash to settle two tickets, according to Sotelo.

Investigators with the Municipal Court and the district attorney’s Bureau of Investigation have determined the court is missing $2,455.44. Investigators are still trying to determine whether any other funds are involved, Sotelo said.

Rodriguez worked at customer windows at the courthouse and received payments for traffic tickets and small claims filing fees. She also provided translation services for Spanish speakers, Sotelo said.

A preliminary hearing was set for March 22.